Slate mirrors offer a rustic look that can match several types of decor. Ranging from large mirrors with a thin frame of slate to small mirrors with heavier slate frames, slate mirrors are beautiful. You can buy slate mirrors, which are hand made, or you can make your own to suit you. Making a slate mirror is not really that difficult if you follow these seven steps.
Step 1:
Gather your materials into your well-ventilated working area. These will include the slate floor tiles in the color and texture of your choice, safety glasses and gloves, mirror, ruler, scoring tool, household oil, plywood, grout and tile adhesive, putty knife, notched trowel, and waterproof construction adhesive.
Step 2:
Wearing protective glasses and gloves, cut the slate tiles with the tile cutter to the size you have chosen to make the frame around the mirror.
Step 3:
If the mirror does not fit the opening exactly, use the scoring tool and ruler to cut it to size. Dipping the scoring tool in the household oil first will help the tool to score more smoothly.
Step 4:
Cut the plywood to the size of the tile/mirror configuration. This will be the back that you mount all the pieces to.
Step 5:
Spread the tile adhesive with the notched trowel and press the tiles into the pattern of the "frame".
Step 6:
After the adhesive has dried, with the putty knife smooth grout into the spaces left between the tiles, wiping away any excess that may get on the tiles. Allow this to dry.
Step 7:
Using the waterproof construction adhesive, attach the mirror into the center space left by the tile frame. Let this dry before hanging your finished slate mirror.
Slate mirrors are easy to make. If you would rather buy a slate mirror, you can find them at several furniture stores and online. Slate mirrors can also have carvings in the slate frame to further decorate it. Some may appear to be attached with other natural materials used as clips. There are many designs to choose from as well as the option of making your own slate mirror.